French property market grinds to standstill awaiting election Estate agents report ‘fewer emails, fewer requests, and fewer projects’ in a market that was already suffering
French property tax fraud: what is targeted other than 'secret’ swimming pools? The AI-assisted technology designed to detect undeclared swimming pools is being widened to focus on other structures too
Do I need permission to paint the roof of my second home in France? Different rules may apply depending on the location and status of your home
practical Final days for French property owners to make declaration in 2024 Around 1 in 6 owners need to complete or update the Biens Immobiliers ‘property use’ form this year
What can I do if septic tank is non-conformé at French second home? Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader question
French PM pledges to end fees for some home buyers: who could benefit? It is not clear whether the scheme would apply to foreign residents buying for the first-time in France
Stunning French arboretum to celebrate 10 years of 'Open Gardens' Sarah Beattie speaks to gardener Nell, whose spectacular Creuse arboretrum is listed as a ‘Jardin Remarquable’
1,100 estate agents shut down in year due to French property slowdown The property market is poised for a ‘restart’, an industry expert says, but warns that political instability could bring disruption
Can Britons get mortgage to buy French property post-Brexit? Banks tend to be more cautious in lending to non-residents outside the EU
No rings of power but electric lights: France's cosy Hobbit homes A look at Tolkien-style halfling abodes and the people who created them
Second home in France: how to save on running costs Tax reductions and aid for renovation work can also help boost investment value
MAP: See where prices for rural properties fell most in France in 2023 Transactions in one region are down more than 30% with prices falling as much as 24% in some departments
How to deal with builder delays to your property in France Devis, or quotes, are legally binding for both builders and clients even in the case of delays so it is important to take the right steps
Should property buyers take out ‘forced resale’ insurance in France? Buyers can be insured against property price falls – but only under certain conditions Top tips for house hunting in France Buying rural property in France: Get to know the ‘Safer’ rules What are the recycling rules in France? Has something changed?
French bill seeks to ban new second homes - where and how? The proposed law aims to ‘remedy imbalances in the rental market’ but would affect many popular destinations including on the coast, Alps, Pyrénées, and Corsica How long does it take to sell a property in France in 2024? New legal obligation for many French property owners on way Could the French property slump be coming to an end in 2024? I have lost property deeds for French home - how do I get a copy? MAP: see where house prices are rising and falling around France
Can I leave furniture in French second home when I sell it? Fitted kitchens often remain behind as they can be complicated to uninstall
Mayor sues state over cracks in houses in south-west France Cracks appeared in 302 houses in small town in Dordogne after droughts but no catastrophe naturelle decree was announced for the commune
Village near Nice fights ‘Wild West’ spread of 5G internet masts ‘Owner of the land next to us was offered €1,000 a month to site a mast,” says local man
Row as French house on sale for five times more than buyer paid in 2018 Locals want to stop purchase by an American saying property speculation means they can no longer afford to buy
Water damage to homes: Which areas of France suffer most? We also look at the recommended steps to take to protect your property
Solar panels in France for €1 with grants: is this still possible? Companies may offer panels at cheap prices, with grants and production buy-backs allegedly making up the difference
Viager in France and releasing capital from a French property People who sell en viager can stay living in their home and receive a lump sum along with a monthly sum for life
Not respecting planning permission can cost you (a lot) in France Extensions that go over permitted amounts can be demolished – with owners having to pick up the costs – if neighbours are affected
Home renovation grants simplified in France from today It should now be easier to apply for help to install a new boiler, for example, but homeowners will need to act quickly
French acronyms explained: HLM We kick off our series on common acronyms with one renters may be familiar with
French towns take action to reduce percentage of second homes A new town is to offer ‘tiny homes’ to rent all year round from just €100 per month. Around 25 other French communes are working on similar projects
French property taxes, car sales, pharmacy strike: 5 practical updates Our round-up of recent practical articles you may have missed
Many small communes in France yet to finalise address changes The new law means that everyone will have an official address
Four factors that can lower the value of French property Location and energy efficiency can impact property prices significantly
Can I avoid rubbish collection charges in France? The household waste collection tax is detailed on a taxe foncière statement
Septic tanks expose difference between law and reality in France The tanks can reveal stark differences between French and British laws... and the attitude of homeowners towards them
EXPLAINED: France’s property wealth tax 2024 Who pays impôt sur la fortune immobilière, how much and when
How much should you pay for house insurance where you live in France? We look at average prices around the regions of France and the main cities
What does 10-year builder insurance cover in France? The assurance décennale saw changes after a recent court case
House sharing in France can benefit retired people and the young Intergenerational house sharing is growing in popularity in France as a solution to both housing problems and feelings of isolation
PHOTOS: €527,000 buys you ancient castle with a museum in west France ‘It may be little but it’s the real thing’
Rules to know if someone lives with you for free in France Who can be included in this definition, what are the tax implications, and how can you provide proof of address?
Tax questions, boiler grants, May changes: 5 French practical updates Our round-up of practical articles you may have missed
Thousands of jobs lost as new building permits plummet in France In the south constructions have dropped by almost a third
New shed, veranda, pool: how to declare in France and what time frame Tax authorities have been using AI software to track down undeclared extensions
Tax rises for property owners: French mayors say they have no choice ‘A commune cannot borrow to cover its running costs. We don’t have the right, unlike the central state’
Planning to replace your boiler at home in France? Now is a good time Eco-friendly alternatives will be easier – and cheaper – to install from mid-May
Address change deadline looms for one million French homes Mairies of small communes must update a government website with all the new street names and house numbers
Medical fees, eco-grants, gas prices: 5 changes this May in France We also include the French income tax declaration deadlines for residents and second-home owners and other dates coming up
Phone scams, gardening, insurance claims: 5 French practical updates Our roundup of recent practical articles you may have missed
Millions of homes have at least one electrical fault in France ‘Electrical installations age, like cars, and you need to call an electrician to check them’, the national electrical safety observatory warns
House ruined by wood-rotting fungus - ‘French insurance will not pay’ Fungus can be swept in through windows and vents and lead to extensive damage. Insurers consider it homeowners’ fault
Heat pump insurance cover downgraded for many home owners in France Wood-burning stoves are also affected following a court ruling
What items can I take to local tip in France? Are any banned? Déchetteries can accept various types of non-household waste
Stay up-to-date: 20 recent and upcoming changes in France We cover tax updates, renovation scheme revamps, possible money changes for British residents and more
Motorway tolls, doctor fees, water leaks: 5 French practical updates Our round-up of recent practical articles you may have missed
French tax rules: how much is your house worth? It is up to individuals to declare for France’s wealth tax if applicable. The deadline to do this is approaching
Where in France are people now negotiating most off a property? Some towns are seeing price drops of 9%
Do US citizens need documents notarised at embassy in France? Some real estate procedures for US property sales require a notary
How to check for leaks in your French home without a smart water meter Homeowners should do regular checks to monitor their water consumption
Woman wins local tax fight over French home invaded by squatters A court has ordered that she is refunded four years of the tax. It was her fourth attempt to be exonerated
Interest rates for loans to buy property in France continue to fall The drop may help kickstart the market as banks and politicians explore new ways to boost home sales
Obligatory property declaration in France: paper forms now available Missing declarations must be made by June 30, 2024. Up to one in six property owners did not complete this new declaration last year
PHOTO: The French chateau for sale for… €425 million The listing price is the highest ever for a property in France
What changes require you to make new property declaration in France? Tax officials have sent out an email reminding people of the rules
Explained: Why you might need a certificat d’urbanisme in France How to get the document and what information it reveals about plots of land and planning issues
‘Tiny swimming pools’ catch on in France as easier and cheaper option Smaller pools are not subject to same regulations as larger conventional ones
No state payout for requisitioned homes built illegally in France Properties built without permission do ‘not retain right’ to expropriation compensation, states new court ruling
Landowner in France fined for theft committed by squatters Court claims he was aware of squatters stealing electricity but did not respond to energy supplier letters
French town is selling house for €1 However there are conditions and buyers will have to spend considerably more on renovations
How much can property buyers in France negotiate down prices in 2024? An explosion in the number of homes on sale coupled with a drop in values - and looming new energy efficiency rules - is opening up opportunities
Where do we pay house inheritance tax in France? John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query
Are there restrictions on building garden walls in France? Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query
France revamps energy renovation grants scheme to boost take-up MaPrimeRénov’ rules for homeowners and tradespeople to become simpler after applications plummet
Second-home owners in France could soon face insurance surcharge Government report recommends creating a prevention fund with insurance sector at risk of collapse over natural disaster payouts
Explained: How to settle disputes without going to court in France We look at the new ‘amicable’ process for everyday civil claims introduced to find out-of-court solutions
Search for Irishman who has left French home abandoned for 22 years Property is to be demolished following a court order as it is starting to fall down onto the street
Owners cannot access French home over fears it may fall into sea Property and surrounding land in Normandy is off-limits until authorities can confirm there will be no imminent damage after landslide
Changes in April in France for drivers, health patients and homeowners See our list of changes to everyday life coming in during the new month
Retiring to Spain or France: what are the main differences? France and Spain are two of the biggest retirement destinations in Europe. We look at how do they compare, from property prices and cost of living to healthcare and language learning